MagNnet - yorkshirengauge.org.uk · last century. These wagons were associated in particular with BR's iconic Motorail service, which was launched in 1966 at the forefront of the

MagNnet August 2016 Page 1 Copyright—Yorkshire Area Group, NGS

MagNnet

Newsletter of the Yorkshire Area Group

of the N Gauge Society

August 2016

For All N Gauge Enthusiasts—Whatever their modelling interest.


Meeting Venue Meetings are held (normally) on the fourth Saturday of every month but this can vary so please check dates. All monthly meetings will be held at Heworth Community Centre, Stray Road, Burnholme, York YO31 0HG (off A1079 within York Ring Road). By bus from York station: Using Coastline 840, 843 or 845 (Coast bound) leaving at c.7, 27 and 47 minutes past each

hour to Stockton Lane. Return from Stockton Lane at 06, 26 and 46 minutes past each hour. Using First York Bus nr 13 to Stockton Lane (Junction Hempland Lane) leaving at 22 and 52

minutes past each hour. Return from Stockton Lane at 21 and 51 minutes past each hour. Using First York Bus nr 11 to Applecroft Road/Stray Road (right outside Centre) leaving at 05

and 35 minutes past returning at 01 and 31 minutes past each hour until 6.00 pm. From Stockton Road walk along Whitby Road (Medical Centre on left) follow road around to left and then right into Applecroft Road. Community Centre is on the right just past Hempland School. Map and driving directions are available from Editor if required. NB. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CHECK THESE ION ADVANCE from the Coastliner website

Club Meeting Dates Aug 20th Sept 10th (DCC) & 24th Oct 8th (DCC) & 22nd/23rd Open Weekend Nov 12th (DCC) & 26th Dec 10th

Contents Front cover photo : Welsh Highland Railway loco at Porthmadog June 2016 : Russell Hollowood

Date for the Magnet diary

August 29th Bilton (Grace Quay)

Sept 10th/11th TINGS (Edison Court)

Oct 1st/2nd WIGAN (Heworth Sidings)

NB FREEMO now not going to Bilton

Meeting Notes David Milburn New NGS Announcements Steven Bateman New Area Groups Co-ordinator Graham Elliott Latest Project David Milburn Worldwide Group Convention Pics Alf Stather A Great Little Railway Russell Hollowood


EDITORIAL Welcome to the August issue of MagNnet—obviously my heartfelt plea for articles worked! So thanks to Steven, Alf & Russell for their contributions!

NEWS Message from Grumbly Grandad, Again!!! Hi all It is a long time since my last missive and the main reason for my effort is to tell you all that from The 3rd September I will be moving nearer to my daughters in Leeds. I have not found a house to move in to so I am scrounging a bed at my youngest daughters (Seemed preferable to a tent on Ilkley Moor). My telephone will be Leeds 01132301663 and the same mobile 07946607228. I am typing this whilst enjoying a weekend playing trains with the Snake Bend Group near Gloucester and can-not remember the new address. Alas mobile does not work here. I will pass this on later. My email is [email protected]. Now whilst putting pen to computer I thought I would raise a few points for discussion and/or thought. Grumbly Grandad strikes again. I am a little concerned that we are stagnating a bit as a Group and I was wondering if I could suggest some ideas to give us all a bit of incentive. We have two working layouts and there is no immediate need to change much in this regard. However it is always possible to improve what we have and I would like to suggest a competition to build dioramas which could be inserted to change the scenery on our layouts including end boards. Every entry could be financed by the group to a certain amount and group members would vote for a winner who could win a prize i.e. a years free membership or three at-tendances free. Entrants could be either single members or two or more working together. In my moving process I have unearthed a large amount of scenic materials and am prepared to help by letting competitors use them. The final thought is that when I joined the group we had regular working meetings when layouts were built, and scenics added. We could do this again to build these dioramas. Also this could prove a very good learning session as those with little experi-ence could help, watch and learn. Finally can everyone remember that this is your Group and to be better it needs YOUR input. Other people can maybe come up with some ideas. I am hopeful that the fact that we are all , not getting younger, will not impact our group. Thanks for reading this John P

Notes of Meeting—Saturday July 23rdh Meeting chaired by Steven Bateman and minutes taken by David Milburn 19 members present, apologies Steve Cooper; Alan Pearmain; David Guy; Don Summers SB: Couple of announcements from the NGS AGM—the next RTR model will be a Carflat A, in 6 possible liver-ies (see above) and the next kit (#55) will be a post 1976 Warflat; and in conjunction with PG Models 4 resin mili-tary vehicles will be made as ’loads’ (e.g. Humber ’pig’) JB added that no mention was made of a ’British only’ society; but that Ray & Carol Hansen’s appeal against suspension from the Society had been rejected. Richard Bardsley is to be the new Chairman; and Graham Elliott from Berkshire the new Area Group’s Co-ordinator. Wi-Fi now available in the Hall (password etc. on notice board in the entrance hall) and it works!! (Ed) DM asked for articles!! MB?JP handed out cards from ’Cutty Blacks’ (the new model shop) who will give 15% discount to group mem-bers. All reports of the store very positive so far!! JP asked if anyone wanted to go to the Bilton Show, as many can go as they want but only 4 operators for free entry/meals etc. allowed (JP, DM, MH and possibly AC to attend) JS offered to help TH with Grace Quay. MH offered a word of warning to anyone buying the new DAPOL ‘Schools’ class, as there have been problems with the front bogies bending the valve gear going round corners. Try it out very slowly first!! Next meeting on August 20th

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


The N Gauge Society announced two new models at the recent AGM, one kit, one Ready-to-Run: The NGS's next kit - number 55 - will depict the Warflat wagons built for the Ministry of Defence in two batches in 1976 and 1981 at BR Shildon works to carry armoured vehicles and supplies between depots, training grounds and military ports. The wagons have straight steel solebars and wooden decks, with heavy duty jacks that clamp to the rails and allow vehicles to be loaded at one end and driven along the train. All are painted army green. When introduced they were dual braked and coded PFB, however all were later configured with air-brakes only and recoded KFA. A later air-brake only batch was built in 1981. The first livery was green with white lettering. The current livery is green, with yellow jacks and lettering, though this does not appear to have been applied to all the wagons yet. They are still in ser-vice. The kit will comprise an injection moulded plastic body tooled by Parkside Dundas, a cast metal underframe for weight, one-piece plastic bogies with NEM couplers and etched detail parts. Decals for all eras will be included.

To complement the war flat kit, the NGS is teaming up with PG Models to produce a small range of military vehicles to com-plement its upcoming post-1976 Warflat, and existing Warwell and WW2 Warflat kits. The vehicles will be cast in lightweight resin, rather than the usual pewter, so if they are used as loads they do not make the wagons top-heavy, and have been selected to represent the 1950s to the present day. The vehicles are: Humber FV-1611 "Pig" armoured car (1956-1994) BAE/Hagglunds BV-206 amphibious troop carrier (mid 1970s-today) GKN Sankey AT-105 Saxon armoured personnel carrier (1983-2009) Alvis FV-107 Scimitar light tank (Built 1971, model of Life Extension Programme version - 2000-today.) Prices to be announced. ########################################################################## The new ready to run model will be the Carflat A. Hundreds of carflats were produced from redundant coach chassis (pre-BR and BR Mk1 suburbans) from the 1950s until the late 1970s, and many remained in service until almost the end of the last century. These wagons were associated in particular with BR's iconic Motorail service, which was launched in 1966 at the forefront of the then ground-breaking "corporate image". They offered holidaymakers travelling to the South West, Wales, the North and Scotland the opportunity to take their car on holiday (York had a service to Inverness!). There use died out in the 1980s due to vandalism of the cars (stones dropped from bridges) and where the motorail services survived, were re-placed with Mk1 GUVvans. Two of our models will be in BR Blue with Motorail branding, and can be combined with maroon or blue-grey Mk1 or Mk2 coaches and Class 47 or 52 "Western" locomotives, among others. Typically carflats ran in trains of Mk1 first class compart-ment coaches, with one compartment per car carried on the train. This meant that there were roughly twice as many car flats as Mk1 FKs. A Mk1 BFK would normal complete the train. Other formations include sleeping cars and GUV vans. In the winter months, when Motorail services did not run, the wagons were often used in block trains for motor manufactur-ers, and in later years, as the Motorail services contracted, some were fitted with air-brakes and repainted into BR Bauxite for dedicated use on new car delivery trains. In 1979 25 coach chassis were converted for wagon leasing company Railease for car transport. The version selected by the NGS is one of 40 converted from former Br Mk1 coaches at Swindon in 1964, and will be availa-ble in six versions:


1). Original Freight Brown

2). Unbranded BR Blu

3). BR Blue Motorail

4). BR Blue Motorail with B4 bogies

5). BR Bauxite with B4 bogies and air brakes for new car deliveries 6). Railease yellow with air brakes

As indicated, the models will feature various different arrangements of vacuum, dual or air brake gear and either BR1 or B4 bogies according to prototype. The model is being produced for the NGS by Graham Farish and design work is already underway. The guide price is £28.00 and models can be pre-ordered now for anticipated delivery next year. All images courtesy of the N Gauge Society.


I've received an email from our new area group co-ordinator: ============================================= Dear Area Group Contacts May I introduce myself as the new Area Groups Co-ordinator, taking over from Ian Coe. Following Ian's report in the 3/16 Newsletter, I offered to take over the role, and as no other person had come forward I was elected at the AGM . Now I have access to the Society's email website and spoken to Ian I can be in contact with you all. Something about myself. I joined the Society in 1999 but actually dabbled in N gauge from the late 1970's. However finding some disappointment with the running qualities of steam locomotives together with insulfrog points I returned back to 00. But then in around 1998 I found that diesels picking up at both bogies traversed points without stuttering and that encouraged me to go back to N gauge. Also subsequent improvements in steam locomotive mechanisms es-pecially have helped. Since that time I have built and exhibited a number of N gauge layouts in British, French, and American outline, both steam and diesel. Some have been with the Diss MRS (which I started back in 1995 and also managed their shows for ten years), but also some with the Felixstowe Area Group of which I am a member. I'm also a member of the World-wide Group and was the secretary of it for a few years. I'm in the process of moving house and when my wife and I have a buyer (anybody interested in a house with an N gauge layout in the loft?!), we will move down to Newbury That means joining the Berkshire Area Group but they don't know that until now. No doubt the actual moving date will coincide at an inconvenient time but I volunteered as AGC since I can carry out the duties anywhere. At least Berkshire is a bit more convenient in getting around the UK than Norfolk. I hope that this reaches all of you, naturally you'll let me know if there are any changes to emails or leaders or any news and these would be printed in the Newsletter issue 5/16 as 4/16 is due out any day now. Ian has been forwarding any correspondence to me over the last fortnight which will be included in 5/16, my deadline for the Newsletter is 25

th

August. And finally, I have not taken over as the Journal Back Issue Officer, this is now Keith Dawson, but at the moment Ian still has all the back issues. Regards to all Graham Elliott SB

Latest Project At the Kegworth Freemo do in April, I picked up a Kato AC4400CW loco, in Union Pacific livery for an absolute bargain price (DCC fitted as well). I’ve now finally resprayed this into a CEFX lease loco#1007. Paint used in the special I had made up for Chicago Metra blue, and decals are from Highball Graphics set #LN-156 (plus some Microscale striping). It was quite complicated due to Kato’s new body designs (splits into about 5 pieces, and you can't separate the handrails like you used to be able to do. So, I’m quite pleased with the results—much better than Union Pacific!!

DM


Some pictures from the Worldwide Group Convention In May


A Great Little Railway Or- don’t be put off by the journey time!!!

In June 2016 I celebrated my 54th Birthday by taking a short holiday in North Wales. This was a place of childhood memo-

ries and also an area I had not visited since my daughter was at Junior school (She is now 24). On paper it has all the ele-ments we need for a great trip, dog friendly accommodation (Travelodge), lots of castles, gardens and pubs, set in grand

scenery. Add in the clutch of great little trains and highly notable railway architecture and your quid’s in. The last piece of the jigsaw is the weather and I’m pleased to report that for the week we were in Wales it was nothing short of glorious.

The former goods yard (with crane) at Con way. What a backdrop for a model!!!!

One of the more recent railway attractions of the region, is the Welsh Highland Railway. Re-built with countless volunteer hours, millions in grants and more legal battles and bad blood than you can shake a writ at, the Welsh Highland Railway reached Porthmadog in 2011. Since then, it has established itself as a major player in the local tourist economy and looks set for a bright future.

Journey times were thought, by many to be the projects Achilles heal. Traveling from Carnarvon to Porthmadog takes about two half hours. Now that is a long time to spend rattling along at twenty miles an hour, for most potential passen-

gers. I was certainly of that view, but as my better half said, just enjoy the ride and she was right.

We caught the train from Carnarvon and in testament to the wonderful weather, chose one of the open carriages. The train was quite full, but there was plenty of room and a good atmosphere all round. The staff were very helpful and even allowed people, me included to walk on the track to get the best pictures of their magnificent locomotives. Very good start.


Once underway, we were pleased to discover an at seat service for refreshments. The Bacon butties were excellent and coffee very good, enjoyed as the scenery drifted buy. This being Wales, the locomotive began working hard, climbing, almost as soon as it left Carnarvon, huffing and puffing along a series of wonderful reverse curves. And I was entranced from the moment we left. Hanging your head out, getting an eye full of cinder, waving at walkers along the way. The sce-nic experience culminates where the line follows a deep river cutting. The line clinging to the edge of the cliff, with foaming white waters below. Cracker!!!

Arriving at Porthmadog, we stretched our legs along the key side, enjoyed some ice-cream and once I’d managed to get inside the new signal box (against regulations) and enjoyed examining the new electro mechanical frame, we settled down to enjoy the sun and scenery until it was time for our train home. Plenty of time for a beer and some tasty easts on the station terrace, as locomotives huffed and puffed about the station yard. Lovely jubly!!!

So there you have it. A great day riding the rails of Wales and a trip I would recommend to anyone. Don’t be put off by the journey time, just make a day of it and enjoy the ride and you won’t be disappointed. RH

The Great Orme Tramway – I ride that next time!!! As you can see, Guwapo was very interested in this home starter signal !!!

Documents

MagNnet - yorkshirengauge.org.uk · last century. These wagons were associated in particular with BR's iconic Motorail service, which was launched in 1966 at the forefront of the